If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Wisconsin until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in Wisconsin, and provide you with tips on how to get a salvage vehicle back on the road.
For official information or questions about your specific situation, please contact your local Wisconsin DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in Wisconsin?
Like many other states, a salvage title in Wisconsin means that the vehicle has been reported to the DMV to be a total loss, wrecked, or damaged to the point where it is no longer roadworthy.
Wisconsin salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Wisconsin
To get your salvage vehicle, you’ll need to schedule an appointment for a salvage vehicle inspection at a licensed agent: https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/veh-inspect/salvage-veh/salvage-vehicle-list.pdf
You’ll need to be prepared with the following items:
- Your WI Salvage Title.
- Color pictures of the vehicle showing the front, rear, left, and right side before the repairs.
- A completed Major Parts Form (Form MV2673).
- Bills of sale and receipts for all major components used in the repair.
- A completed Application for Title/Registration (Form MV1).
- Payment for the $80 inspection fee plus any local fees.
Register a Salvage Title Car in Wisconsin
Once the vehicle passes inspection and a rebuilt title has been issued, you’ll be able to re-register the vehicle.
If you have existing license plates and registration, you can bring them to your inspection (not attached to the vehicle) to transfer them to your new title.
Related Pages:
- What is a Salvage Title?
- What is a Rebuilt Title?
- Salvage Title Insurance
- Buying a Car with a Salvage Title
Next Steps
If you’re in the market to buy, sell, or register a salvage title vehicle in Wisconsin, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
Check out some of our related guides and useful tools below: